Sergio Delavicci is an internationally recognized SAG/AFTRA actor, motivational speaker, professional athlete, supermodel and humanitarian who’s been featured in GQ Magazine, NY Post, Readers Digest, Fashion Avenue News, LVM Exclusive, Dyme Magazine, BB Magazine, and many more media outlets. He’s graced the runways of New York Fashion Week, Mercedes Benz Style, Men’s Fashion Week, and Couture Fashion Week to name a few.
Being a seasoned actor of 11 years, Delavicci has worked with well-known celebrities such as George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Donnie Wahlberg, James Spader, Joaquin Phoenix, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Michael B. Jordan, and Batista (from WWE). He can be seen on the big screens worldwide for his current role in You Were Never Really Here, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Creed 2 directed by Steven Caple Jr., and The Post, directed by Steven Spielberg. Sergio is also the stunt body double for Channing Tatum in the movie Fighting.
Delavicci was awarded a proclamation for his achievements in acting, modeling and community service by the Senator of New York, Kevin S. Parker, and Certificate of Merit awarded by the New York Assembly for his continued accomplishments, dedication, and leadership.
Bullying is a very real, very common, almost epidemic problem. It’s not a problem that is local to any one place but is global. It’s everywhere from schools to sports to church and anywhere you look. Bullying has changed from when “we were kids”. The bullying stayed at the schoolyard, and the home was a safe haven. It’s different for today’s generation. They have no way to escape. Cyber-bullying is rampant and even though our kids might be able to turn off a phone, or a computer, the hate is still there when they power up again.
We need to help stop bullying where it beings. It is great to see Sergio Delavicci tackle this issue, here is what he said about why he got involved:
What inspired you to go back to your childhood junior high school I.S. 303 and speak about anti-bullying?
What inspired me to go back to my former junior high school and speak to kids about bullying is that fact that I love to give back especially where I’m from. The effect of bullying can create a very serious outcome which can lead to a tragic situation. This is why it’s very important to target this topic and address the kids at this age.
What kind of advice would you give someone who is being bullied?
If someone is being bullied, the advice I would give them is to try to speak very calmly to the bully and maybe even incorporate humor. If that doesn’t work, speak to your teachers. Your teachers are highly skilled professionals that undergo a special training which deals with this issue. Also, don’t be silent about it and hide your feelings. Speak to an adult you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
As someone with influence and being in the upcoming Creed 2 film, if you could share a message with bullies around the world what would it be?
I would tell them to go find something else to do before they cross a line with no reprieve. The act of violence leads to retaliation, more violence and sometimes self-harm. Use your power to change the world for the better and not pick on someone who’s weaker than you.
How has bullying affected your life?
Bullying has affected my life especially when I came to America in 1996. I came from a violent background growing up so I would always stand up to my bullies and fight back. Eventually, I would get suspended because I didn’t speak English well enough to explain that I was defending myself.
What are some signs parents should look out for if their child is being bullied?
Some of the signs parents should look for in their children if they’re being bullied are the following: not wanting to go to school, feeling afraid, paranoid, rebellious, depression, and isolation. Parents should also look for physical signs such as bruises, burns, cuts, black and blues.
How did you deal with bullying growing up?
Growing up I dealt with bullying by fighting each and every one of them. I don’t promote violence but I believe that every child should know and be able to defend themselves. Learning martial arts at an early age is definitely a good idea.
Why do you think bullying is so prevalent in schools today?
In my opinion, bullying is so prevalent because many kids are not happy with themselves and try to copy what they see in the media. They watch the news, look at celebrities, follow different styles and trends. After they look in the mirror and don’t like what they see, kids take it out on themselves or other kids who are weaker than them. Also, I think bullying is so widespread due to a lack of supervision.